As crazy as it may seem, March is just around the corner and that means only one thing. The Latrobe-based Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited chapter has started planning for its annual banquet. And from all indications, things are shaping up quite nicely.

Framed art has already been purchased representing a cross section of wildlife including deer, loons and grouse. Led by newly elected president Leo Vensel, officers and members were very enthusiastic recently at the December meeting as they talked about prizes to be given away. It was mentioned they will be keeping their eyes out for special items that will be of interest to banquet goers.

More information will be obtained at next month’s meeting and I will pass it along.

Remember, this is the time to mark your calendars, March 1. It is hoped that you support your local chapter by not only helping the chapter meet its financial needs, but attending the event, as well. This is the only fundraiser FTTU holds for the costs of the year’s projects. That is why it is so important that everyone respond to at least help and do his part. The income will be used for conservation, restoration of resources and education of youth.

Referencing other chapter news, Vensel and fellow officers have a new game plan in the works that has members talking about possible future fishing trips together. “Maybe once a month on a certain Saturday, chapter members could meet somewhere and fish together in various streams,” Vensel suggested. “By getting some momentum going, we could start small and go from there. We have to get people out fishing,” he said.

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Hear ye, hear ye. The latest rumor about pocketing fishing licenses is false. Let me tell you, you won’t find this one on www.snopes.com. Take it from yours truly and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission representatives in the Somerset office, “This is one of those old time rumors that comes and goes.” So, from now ‘til the law is changed all anglers, despite what hunters are doing as directed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Must display their licenses wherever they go angling.

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One thing more about a report I got about fishing recently. A gent recently decided to go to Indian Head Lake to fish. He poked a hole in the ice and jigged a black wooly bugger fly. In short order, he caught 11 trout. He was fishing off a handicapped ramp. I asked him how thick the ice was. “About three inches,” he said. That ought to provide promise for fishermen and women who want to get out of the house after feeling penned up over these cold, wintery months. A few more layers of clothing to keep warm may be recommended, but if the fish are starting to hit like they did for this individual, you’ll soon forget about the air’s temperature.

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Some hunters are walking with their heads down this year as they didn’t get the trophy they had hoped for, but even worse, did not get a deer at all.

On the opposite end of the coin are sports men and women who did harvest deer, but fell short of their responsibility to the PGC. They failed to report their kill. It’s really not that hard to do.

The three ways to do this include:

Going to the Commission’s website

Using the toll-free phone number

Filling out and returning the postage-paid report cards included in the 2012-2014 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest.

Game Commission Executive Director Carl C. Roe said, “Remembering to report harvest can be difficult this busy time of the year, especially in years like this one, where the close of the general deer season is so close to Christmas.”

Emphasizing the importance of the count, he said, “The more hunters report as required, the stronger the agency’s deer harvest projections will be,” he said.

One may access the website by going to www.pgc.state.pa.us and clicking on the blue box titled, “Report a Harvest.” The toll free number is 1-855-724-8681.

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That’s it for this year. Looking forward to sharing with you next year, the greatness of “Inside the Outdoors. Have a very blessed and healthy New Year!